Wonder Woman (2017) | Movie Review

Standing as a pivotal moment in superhero cinema, Wonder Woman marks the first female-led, solo film in the DC Extended Universe and arguably the most successful entry in the franchise at that point, breaking new ground in representation.

With Gal Gadot stepping into the role after her brief but memorable appearance in Batman v Superman, the film faced enormous expectations to deliver both as a compelling origin story and as proof that female superheroes could anchor major blockbusters.

Wonder Woman chronicles Diana Prince's journey from the hidden paradise of Themyscira to the brutal trenches of World War I. When American pilot Steve Trevor crashes onto her island home, Diana learns about the devastating war raging across the world.

Convinced that Ares, the God of War, is behind the conflict, she ventures into man's world to end the war and fulfill her destiny as an Amazon warrior. The film explores themes of innocence meeting harsh reality and the power of compassion in a world consumed by hatred.

Director Patty Jenkins draws heavily from George Pérez's iconic Wonder Woman Vol. 2 run from 1980s, particularly the Wonder Woman origin story that re-imagined her mythology for modern audiences. It captures Pérez's vision of Themyscira as a living, breathing civilization rather than just a backdrop to a larger narrative.

Wonder Woman creator William Moulton Marston's original concepts from All-Star Comics and Sensation Comics, emphasizing strength through compassion while updating her World War origins from WWII to WWI to avoid Nazi imagery overload.

The movie also incorporates elements from Brian Azzarello's New 52 run of Wonder Woman, particularly the more complex relationship between the Amazons and the gods of Olympus, exploring the darker political machinations among the divine pantheon.

While Gadot's physical presence suits the Wonder Woman role, her casting has drawn criticism from viewers due to her public statements regarding Israel/Palestine issues and military service background, highlighting ongoing debates about representation and political positions.

Performance-wise, Gadot's delivery feels pretty stiff throughout, with limited emotional range that doesn't quite capture the depth Diana's character arc demands. Her chemistry with Chris Pine's Steve Trevor anchors the emotional core of the film though.

Pine delivers his most compelling performance in years, creating a Steve Trevor who feels like a genuine partner rather than a mere love interest. Robin Wright commands every scene as Antiope, bringing gravitas to the Amazon general role.

Connie Nielsen's Queen Hippolyta balances maternal protection with regal authority, though her character deserved more screen time. Supporting cast, including David Thewlis's mysterious Sir Patrick and Elena Anaya's Dr. Poison, provides solid foundations for the larger conflict.

Matthew Jensen's cinematography transforms Wonder Woman into a visual feast that respects both the mythological and historical elements. The production design creates a believable World War I setting without drowning in period detail.

Themyscira feels authentically ancient yet timeless, with architecture that suggests both Greek influence and something uniquely Amazon. The costume design, particularly Diana's armor evolution throughout the film, serves both practical and symbolic purposes.

The Themyscira sequences showcase vibrant, saturated colors that feel almost otherworldly, contrasting beautifully with the muted, war-torn palette of 1918 Europe. The famous "No Man's Land" sequence stands as a master-class in visual storytelling.

The opening Themyscira act efficiently establishes world-building while developing Diana's character through training sequences with Antiope. These early scenes balance exposition with character development, particularly Diana's resolve to transcend her sheltered upbringing.

The London fish-out-of-water sequences provide necessary comic relief while advancing the plot. Diana's interactions with early 20th-century society highlight both period attitudes and her own cultural assumptions about man's world.

The No Man's Land sequence represents the film's emotional and visual peak. Diana's decision to cross the battlefield works on multiple levels– as character growth, visual spectacle and thematic statement about heroism requiring action despite overwhelming odds.

The aftermath of village liberation provides intimate character moments that ground the larger conflict in human terms. These quieter moments between Diana and Steve naturally develop their relationship while exploring the film's themes about war's impact on ordinary people.

The final act, while somewhat conventional in its superhero climax structure, benefits from the emotional investment built throughout the earlier acts. The revelation about Ares and 

The final act, while somewhat conventional in its superhero climax structure, benefits from the emotional investment built throughout earlier acts. The revelation about Ares and humanity's capacity for both good and evil provides satisfying character resolution.

Screenplay by Allan Heinberg balances multiple narrative demands effectively. The origin story elements never feel rushed, allowing Diana's character development to unfold naturally. World War I setting provides both historical weight and thematic resonance.

Pacing remains steady throughout the 141-minute runtime, though the final act could have a tighter editing. The romantic subplot develops organically without overwhelming the heroic journey and the supporting cast feels like genuine people rather than plot devices.

The film's exploration of war, sacrifice and human nature adds depth beyond typical superhero fare. Diana's arc from a naive idealist to mature hero who understands complexity while maintaining hope provides emotional stakes that resonate beyond action sequences.

Rupert Gregson-Williams crafts a memorable score that builds on Hans Zimmer's Batman V Superman themes while establishing Wonder Woman's unique musical identity. The electric cello riff that accompanies Diana's heroic moments becomes instantly recognizable.

The Themyscira themes blend orchestral grandeur with ethnic instruments, creating a proper mythological soundscape. The war sequences use period-appropriate musical elements with modern orchestration to bridge the historical and fantastical elements.

Sound design particularly shines during combat sequences, with the lasso's distinctive whistle and the satisfying impact of Diana's shield and gauntlets creating tactile audio experiences. The contrast between Themyscira's natural sounds and the industrial noise of wartime Europe reinforces the thematic divide between worlds.

Wonder Woman succeeds as both a superhero origin story and a standalone film, establishing Diana Prince as a compelling character while delivering spectacular action sequences. Patty Jenkins' direction brings genuine emotional weight to familiar genre elements.

The movie's greatest strength lies in its willingness to take Diana's idealism seriously rather than treating it as naivety to be discarded. Her journey toward understanding complexity while maintaining hope offers a refreshing contrast to the cynicism common in superhero films.

While some third-act elements feel conventional and certain supporting characters could use more development, Wonder Woman establishes itself as a worthy addition to the DC Extended Universe and a significant step forward for female-led superhero films.

Wonder Woman is available on streaming services like Max and Prime Video in many regions. It can also be rented or purchased digitally via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies and YouTube Movies. Regional availability may vary— check your local listings.